User Pays School System

"Government under-funding is forcing schools to implement a user-pays system, similar to that in the tertiary sector" said Karen Skinner Co-President of the New Zealand University Student's Association. "Schools are struggling for money so much that they have to demand fees".

"Although school fees are not meant to be compulsory like in the tertiary sector, they are becoming a reality of education" said Tali Williams spokesperson for the National Youth Network. "Already families find it hard to come up with the money for school uniforms, school camps and course costs.
The increasing pressure to pay school fees is adding to families financial burdens"

"School's where pupils are unable to pay fees are faced with decreasing resources resulting in poorer quality education" said Ms Williams. "Reports of students being forced to sit on the floor because the school cannot afford chairs or cold classrooms because heaters cost too much are becoming mo
re and more common".

"The government should be valuing youth and education and properly funding schools" said Ms Skinner "This national government's slash and burn approach to education has left behind a trail of destruction in the education system."

ENDS

© Scoop Media